New fire safety rules affecting high-rise and some other residential buildings will come into force across England on Monday, 6 April, with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) urging those responsible for buildings to prepare now.
The new regulations require building owners, managing agents and landlords to consider evacuation arrangements for residents who may need help getting out in the event of a fire.
The changes are being introduced through the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025.
Under the rules, the “Responsible Person” for a building must take reasonable steps to identify residents who may have difficulty evacuating without assistance and consider suitable arrangements based on their individual circumstances.
The service said relevant information should also be shared with the fire and rescue service to help firefighters respond more effectively if an incident happens.
Fire service urges early action
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said those with responsibility for fire safety should review their procedures before the new rules take effect.
Mark Garrett, group commander at BFRS, said: “Protecting our communities and preventing emergencies before they happen is at the heart of what we do.
“These new Regulations will help ensure the people responsible for buildings have the right plans in place to support effective evacuation and keep residents safe, including those who may need extra help to leave the building in the event of a fire.
“Sharing relevant information with the fire and rescue service will also help our firefighters respond with the safest and most informed tactics if an incident occurs.
“We’re asking everyone with responsibility for fire safety to take a proactive approach now — review your evacuation procedures, make sure they are robust, and help us keep Bedfordshire’s residents protected.”
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it does not create evacuation plans for residents or buildings.
It said responsibility for putting those arrangements in place lies with the Responsible Person for the building.
